Nashra Ayumaz Zahra, Teguh Supriyanto, Sungging Widagdo
This investigation was driven by the researcher's curiosity regarding the significance of certain symbols found in the Jemparingan Gagrak Mataram tradition, a custom that remains practiced by certain groups in the Semarang Jemparingan community. The methods for gathering data comprised field observations, comprehensive interviews, and a review of literature, employing a qualitative research approach that is descriptive and analytical in nature. The Jemparingan Gagrak Mataram represents a style of archery typical of Mataram, distinguished by the utilization of a gendhewa (traditional bow), a seated cross-legged position, and a bandhul (which functions as a pendulum-like target). Rich with esteemed traditional values, this practice is examined here through the lens of Roland Barthes' semiotic theory to deeply investigate the meanings embedded within its symbols. The findings of the research indicate that the Jemparingan tradition features multiple layers of denotation, connotation, and mythology. The symbols integral to this tradition consist of the gendhewa, warastro (arrow), bandhul, khebber (a marker for targets), surjan (a traditional jacket), blangkon (headgear), lurik (striped cloth), sinjang (batik material), kamus timang (belt and buckle), keris (a type of dagger), sil (a signal), gladhen jemparingan (archery practice), along with philosophical concepts such as pamenthanging gendhewa pamenthanging cipto (drawing the bow as a means of mental focus), sawiji (concentration), greget (spirit or passion), sengguh (self-confidence), and ora mingkuh (determination). The study underscores that archery is not solely confined to Arab culture in relation to Islamic Sunnah; rather, it is a tradition that exists within Javanese culture as well, conveying insights about the connection between Islam, cross-cultural dialogue, the adaptation of cultural practices, and the teachings espoused by Nabi Muhammad SWT.